Support platform for seating appliance

Abstract

A support arrangement and corresponding method, is provided for supporting a user in a seated invalid appliance, the arrangement comprising a support member and at least one reconfigurable connection arrangement arranged to enable connection of the support member to the appliance and the application an adjustable tensile load to the support member. The connection arrangement may comprise a bridging element configured to extend between the support member and the appliance, such as a clip or hook. The hook or clip may be S-shaped or C-shaped in cross section. The connection arrangement may be received in an aperture or recess provided in the support member and/or the appliance to bridge the gap there between. The invention is particularly suited for use with wheelchairs or seated sports appliances for a disabled user.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A support arrangement for supporting a user in a seated invalid appliance, comprising:
 a support member; and 
 a plurality of reconfigurable connection arrangements, wherein each one of the plurality of reconfigurable connection arrangements is coupled to the support member of the appliance and is configured to apply an adjustable tensile load to the support member, wherein each of the reconfigurable connection arrangements comprises a rotatable threaded section having opposed first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the appliance and the second end is coupled to the support member, wherein rotation of the threaded section in a first direction increases the tensile load applied to the support member by the respective connection arrangement, and wherein rotation of the threaded section in a second direction opposite the first direction decreases the tensile load applied to the support member by the respective connection arrangement, 
 wherein each connection arrangement is configured to permit adjustment of the tensile load applied to the support member, 
 wherein each connection arrangement comprises a shaft arranged to pass through a portion of the appliance, and comprises a bridging element configured to extend between the support member and the appliance, one end of the bridging element being configured for attachment to the support member, and 
 wherein the shaft is arranged to pass through a portion of the bridging element. 
 
     
     
       2. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the appliance is a wheelchair or seated sports appliance for a disabled user. 
     
     
       3. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one connection arrangement comprises a bridging element configured to extend between the support member and the appliance. 
     
     
       4. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the connection arrangement comprises a first portion configured for connection to the support member and a second portion configured for connection to the appliance. 
     
     
       5. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the connection arrangement comprises a titanium clip or hook. 
     
     
       6. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the connection arrangement is substantially S shaped or C shaped in cross section. 
     
     
       7. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the connection arrangement comprises a hook or angled flange at one or both ends. 
     
     
       8. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the support member is substantially rigid. 
     
     
       9. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the support member comprises at least one aperture. 
     
     
       10. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the plurality of reconfigurable connection arrangements facilitate suspension of the support member from the appliance. 
     
     
       11. A support arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein at least one portion of each connection arrangement is arranged to pass through, hook around or be received within a portion of the support member. 
     
     
       12. A support arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein a nut or stop is provided on the shaft. 
     
     
       13. A method of applying an adjustable tensile load to a user support arrangement of a seated invalid appliance, the method comprising:
 using a plurality of reconfigurable connection arrangements to connect a support member to the appliance, each one of the plurality of reconfigurable connection arrangements being configured to apply an adjustable tensile load to the support member, wherein each of the reconfigurable connection arrangements comprises a rotatable threaded section having opposed first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the appliance and the second end is coupled to the support member, wherein rotation of the threaded section in a first direction increases the tensile load applied to the support member by the respective connection arrangement, and wherein rotation of the threaded section in a second direction opposite the first direction decreases the tensile load applied to the support member by the respective connection arrangement 
 wherein each connection arrangement is configured to permit adjustment of the tensile load applied to the support member, 
 wherein each connection arrangement comprises a shaft arranged to pass through a portion of the appliance, and comprises a bridging element configured to extend between the support member and the appliance, one end of the bridging element being configured for attachment to the support member, and 
 wherein the shaft is arranged to pass through a portion of the bridging element; and 
 rotating the threaded section of at least one of the plurality of reconfigurable connection arrangements in at least one of the first direction and the second direction to apply a user-selected tensile load to the support member. 
 
     
     
       14. A method according to  claim 13  wherein the appliance is any of:
 a wheelchair; 
 seated sports appliance for a disabled user; and 
 an invalid chair.